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Friday, August 11, 2017

Animal encounters: is it about the adrenaline rush

If given the chance, would you feed a lion, swim with a
shark or hold an alligator? Are deadly animal encounters about overcoming fears
or just an adrenaline rush?

Many people have phobias, fears and just dislikes.
Conquering those fears can be difficult. At the same time, some people live for
the adrenaline rush. Dangerous activities can appease that thirst for peril.
Some zoos, entertainment park and private establishments are adding deadly
animal encounters to their activities. But, why are these activities becoming
popular?

Recently, SeaWorld announced a new swim with the shark
opportunity for guests. Many people were surprised that this activity would be
available. Aren’t sharks dangerous? Couldn’t someone get bit by these animals? Let’s
be honest. If this activity was extremely, insanely dangerous, SeaWorld
wouldn’t offer the activity.

Still, many people were instantly drawn to the activity.
Putting aside people who are fans of sharks, this opportunity intrigues most
people for two reasons, the adrenaline rush or overcoming their fears. The
adrenaline rush is easy to understand. Doing something potentially dangerous can
cause a surge in endorphins. That hormonal high can be quite a rush.

Others could be drawn to these animal encounters to overcome
their fears. While I’m not a medical expert, I have been told that one of the
best ways to overcome fear is to face the fear directly. In this SeaWorld
example, swimming in a shark tank could be their way of facing galeophobia, the
fear of sharks.

The SeaWorld swimming with the
sharks encounter isn’t the only theme park with this type of activity. A quick
drive around Orlando shows several places where you can encounter dangerous
snakes, gators and other scary animals. Gatorland offers a trainer for the day
option, where you take care of the gators, or Gator Night Shine. Gator Night
Shine as guests walk above the breading marsh at night, hot dogs included for
feeding.

For people who fear cats, big cats
rather than the domestic ones, several zoos and rescues offer animal
encounters. Dade City’s Wild Things offers big cat feedings. The Tiger Safari
in Oklahoma has several exotic animal encounters including lion cubs, tiger
cubs and a variety of snakes. Many zoos throughout the U.S. offer animal
encounters and these encounters are becoming more popular.

Regardless of the reason why
people choose to participate in these experiences, the animal encounters are
increasing. These experiences are often met with disdain. The zoo, or other
park, has to balance the educational factor with the entertaining experience
factor.

As stated before, if the activity
was extremely dangerous, the park wouldn’t allow it. No insurance carrier would
cover the establishment. The “fear” comes from the perception of danger. Just
like the fastest roller coasters, the activity looks scary, but it is
predominately safe.

Also, the parks should not harm
the animals. Zoos, and some parks, are intended to be educational. Causing harm
to the animals they care for isn’t smart. While all the danger can’t ever be
removed, people are interacting with wild animals, the experience is
controlled.

Based on the people’s reactions,
animal encounters, especially deadly animal encounters, will continue to be
offered. No matter the reasoning for participating in these activities, either
facing fears or the adrenaline rush, people are lining up to participate. But,
would you?